Jesus and the Almond Tree
While evangelizing on the street with my sign and enjoying the transition into spring one day, I felt drawn to gaze at the Almond Tree blossoming right next to me. Among the other bare trees in the park stood a beautiful and white Almond Tree in early February.
- Jeremiah 1:11-12 KJV - Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. [12] Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
* In the above Bible verse, it seems the Hebrew word for "Almond Tree" (Strong's H8247 - שׁקד) appears to be the same one for "hasten" (Strong's H8245 - שׁקד) and means to watch over or be watchful or quicken. The Almond Tree could represent the firstfruits of the Harvest, a sign of the Harvest to come, or the LORD's watchfulness.
Interestingly enough the Bible speaks of the Almond Tree and almond seeds on several occasions and even is embedded into the design of one of the most sacred Holy Items of the Old Covenant, the Menorah. It seems the Menorah in itself is a representation of the Almond Tree which begins to bloom first before Spring Time and sometimes even in the winter.
One interesting detail is that God YHVH commanded Moses to create a Menorah, a 7 candle lampstand, in which would be placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle:
- Exodus 25:31-37 KJV - And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. [32] And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: [33] Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. [34] And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. [35] And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. [36] Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. [37] And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
This Menorah, or 7 candle lamp stand, was created with a pattern of almond buds, flowers, and almond shaped bowls that carry the olive oil (Holy Spirit) which lights the flame and in my opinion is a clear symbol of the Almond Tree.
A Golden Menorah Today
Roman Dipiction of
Almond Menorah after the
Jewish Temple Destroyed
In 70 AD
A Sign of New Life, A New Year to Come
The Song of Solomon, some say, is a colorful and prophetic piece of poetry from Jesus to His future Bride in which He will bring to Himself (1 Corinthians 15:52) after the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. The below passage speaks of a life bursting scene of spring life as a new day beckons while the Bride and the Bridegroom long to be together:
- Song of Solomon 2:10-17 KJV - My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. [11] For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; [12] The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; [13] The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. [14] O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. [15] Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. [16] My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. [17] Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Spring is Coming, It's Beautiful
Old Russian Christian Song
In God YHVH's creation, we see that the Jewish New Year begins in the first month where the Firstfruits is gathered (Exodus 12). This is usually in March or April on the Gregorian Calendar, and it begins the first of 7 Holy Days that the LORD gave Moses for the Childen of Abraham to observe (Leviticus 23). These 7 Holy Days I believe also relate to the 7 candles of the Almond Tree Menorah. These Holy Days were a shadow of what was to come with Christ and the New Covenant (Colossians 2:17).
Interestingly enough the Almond Tree usually sprouts before the Harvest begins and is a sign of the Spring to come. The Almond Tree could allude to the resurrection of Jesus as the Firstfruits of the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 15:12). The Almond Tree seems to be a sort of first fruits a harbinger of sorts:
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 KJV - But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Jesus has already recieved His glorified body and was raised from the dead just as we too will be raise and changed in a moment (1 Corinthians 5:19) and reign and rule with Him as co-heirs:
- Romans 8:17-18 KJV - And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
- 1 John 3:2 KJV - Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
It is possible the Almond Tree could allude to the Pre Tribulation rapture that occurs first before the Tribulation (Daniel's 70th Week) and the final summer harvest at the end of Daniel's 70th week (Revelation 19-20):
- Revelation 3:10-11 KJV - Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJV - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
- Revelation 19:7-9 KJV - Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Spring and Summer Harvest
The budding of the Almond Tree could represent the rapture and glorification of the Saints in white glowing garments before the final summer harvest of Daniel's 70th Week. Where Christ is a white Almond blossom, the first fruits of many brethren. This is just my conjecture, yet I find it an interesting idea to consider.
Yeshua Jesus and the Almond Tree
It is possible that the white flowers of the Almond Tree allude to the purity and Holiness of Jesus Christ, the first fruits of the Covenant that came out of the Holy Place:
- John 1:17-18 KJV - For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. [18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
The white flowers could also allude to Jesus as the Light of the world and the Word of God who brought forth fruit to an empty and fruitless winter of souls:
- John 1:1-5 KJV - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and also the first born of creation (being God the Son) and He is before all things:
- Colossians 1:14-20 KJV - In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
The white of the Almond Tree can also allude to the white hair and garment of Jesus as described in Revelation 1. Also, Daniel 10 seems to be a matching description of Jesus in Revelation 1, although some say this is just an angel. This appearance of Jesus closely resembles the golden Menorah in the Holy Place which was made of pure gold, with a light of fire (white flame), and alludes to the Almond Tree:
- Daniel 10:4-12 KJV - And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; [5] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: [6] His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. [7] And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. [8] Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. [9] Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. [10] And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. [11] And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. [12] Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
We see an identical description of Jesus found in the Book of Revelation, written by John the Beloved Apostle. Although, in the below scripture it also reveals to us that the 7 candle menorah was a symbol of the 7 churches addressed in the Book of Revelation which I believe also alludes to different types of Christians throughout the Church Age:
- Revelation 1:12-20 KJV - And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; [13] And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. [14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. [16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. [17] And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: [18] I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. [19] Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; [20] The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
So I assume we can say that Jesus is the Almond Tree, the Menorah from the Holy Place, which brought forth Holy fruit to a cold and dismal world, and is the vine of the branches which is the 7 churches. His Spirit is the oil in the Menorah which brings His Light to the world and the life of the branches of the Almond Tree.
In the Bible passage Revelation 1:13, Jesus Yeshua was in the midst of the 7 Candle Stick Menorah perhaps alluding to Him being the life giving essence of the Church, and the head of the body of Christ on earth. Jesus being in the midst of the Menorah could represent Him being one with the Church, as the almond blossoms are one with the vine (John 15):
- John 17:21-26 KJV - That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: [23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. [24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. [26] And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it : that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
For more parallels between the Tabernacle of Moses and Jesus Christ and the New Covenant, please see the Book of Hebrews written by Apostle Paul:
- Hebrews 9:1-15 KJV - Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. [2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. [3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; [4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; [5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. [6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. [7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: [8] The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: [9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
The Man-Child
In Revelation 12:5, it tells us of a certain Man-Child who is caught up (raptured) to Heaven and given a rod of iron to rule the nations just before Satan is cast down for Daniel's 70th week. It appears this Man-Child is the Church who will reign and rule with Christ:
- Revelation 2:25-29 KJV — But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
For more information regarding the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) and Old and New Testament paralles, please see some of these articles:
• The Chief Cornerstone
• A Christophany?
• Father, Son, Holy Spirit
• The Serpent Bite
• Lamb that was Slain
• Unleavened Bread
• Moedims - Appointed Times
• Water and Spirit
• Holy of Holies
• A Shepherd Boy
• Victory at Golgatha
• Stone of Help
• A High Priest Forever
• Millennial Kingdom
Additional Source Article:
https://ww2.odu.edu/~lmusselm/plant/bible/almond.php
The almond, Amygdalus communis, is a medium sized tree with narrow, light green leaves. Unlike the fig and olive, the almond does not live to a great age. The almond is a well-known symbol of resurrection because it is the first tree to flower. The white, five-parted flowers are up to two inches across and come in the late winter before the leaves of the tree develop. Because they may flower as early as late January or early February, it is sometimes possible to find almond flowers with snow.
Within a month after flowering the distinctive hairy green fruits begin to develop. These have a pleasantly sour taste and are picked and sold as a very popular snack for Arabs. My children enjoyed them when in grade school! In the middle of August the nuts are harvested at the end of the growing season as the leaves begin to fall. The almond is a close relative of such stone fruits as peach, apricots, and cherries. But unlike these relatives, the fruits of the almonds are quite unusual in the way in which they open. The leathery outer covering splits at maturity releasing the stone.
Almonds are mentioned six times in the Scriptures and only in the Old Testament. The first reference is in Genesis 43:11 where Jacob, in an apparent attempt to curry favor with the ruler of Egypt, orders his sons to take some of the "best products of the land" including almonds. The best-known reference to the almond is Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 17). This is miraculous because the flowering, budding, and fruiting of the almond in nature are always separated in time.
The almond motif was part of the divine design for the lampstand in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:33-34, 37:19-20). Moses was instructed to make the bowls of the lampstand in the shape of the almond flower. The buds and fruits were also to be present, however.
The reference to almonds in Ecclesiastes 12:5 presents some difficulty. The word translated "flourisheth" (KJV) and "blossoms" (NIV) can mean two apparently contradictory things. The reference could be to the masses of white flowers on the almond tree, an allusion to the white hair of old age. Or it could mean to be "despised."
The last reference to the almond is in Jeremiah 1:11. "The word of the Lord came to me: 'What do you see, Jeremiah?' 'I see the branch of an almond tree', I replied." The Hebrew word for almond sounds similar to that for watchful.
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